Saratt is a 39-year-old cook from Cambodia. She and her husband have four daughters together, all of whom are in school. Her husband is taxi driver. Saratt works at a local restaurant, and in her free time she does housework, prepares food for her daughters, and grows vegetables in her garden. Since she was 10 years old, Saratt has had a persistent ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in both of her ears to perforate. As a result, Saratt experiences ear discharge, hearing loss and pain on both sides. She has taken a range of medications as treatment including antibiotics, but they have had little effect. In daily life, it is difficult for her to communicate clearly with others. Saratt traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On October 13th, she will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in both ears. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforations. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $913 to fund this procedure. This amount covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Saratt shared, "I hope after surgery that my ear will feel better, and that there will be no infection or discharge. I hope that I can talk normally with my family."

Sok Kheang is a 74-year-old milk factory worker from Cambodia. He has four children, six grandchildren, and enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio in his free time. Two years ago, Sok Kheang developed a cataract in his right eye, causing him vision loss. He has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Sok Kheang learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, he traveled for half an hour seeking treatment. On November 22, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in his right eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $211 procedure. Sok Kheang said, "I hope that I will be able to recognize my relatives' faces and will be able to go outside on my own again."

Bu is a 53-year-old man who lives with his wife, two sons and two daughters in a refugee camp in northern Thailand. He and his family fled there from Karen State, Burma, due to conflict in their area. Every month, Bu's household received 1,514 baht (approx. 50 USD) as part of their camp rations. Bu's oldest son works on farms outside of the camp as a seasonal day laborer. He makes 1,100 baht (approx. 37 USD) per month. The rest of Bu's three children are students, and his wife is a homemaker. Despite receiving free primary health care services and schooling in the camp, Bu's family is struggling to make ends meet every month. Bu started to suffer from back pain and fever in 2015. He also experienced slight discomfort and a burning sensation while urinating. When he went to the camp's clinic, run by Malteser International (MI), he received oral medications. For a few months, his symptoms and pain disappeared, but later on, they returned. Whenever the pain would worsen, Bu would receive more medication from the camp's clinic. On 2 July 2020, when Bu's symptoms worsened, he went back to the clinic to received more medication. Noting that he kept returning to the clinic with severe symptoms, Bu was referred to Mae Sariang Hospital for further treatment. At the hospital, he received a blood and urine test, as well as a kidney, ureter, and bladder (KUB) x-ray. The doctor informed him that he has a stone in his left kidney. The doctor then referred him to Suandok Hospital in Chiang Mai for further treatment. On 29 July 2020, Bu saw the doctor at Chiang Mai Hospital. The doctor told him that he needed to undergo an intravenous pyelogram (IVP), a type of diagnostic test that uses an injection of contrast material to evaluate the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Once he underwent the IVP, the doctor diagnosed him with a type of kidney stone called a staghorn stone. Bu was then scheduled to receive surgery to remove the kidney stone on 16 August 2020. Unable to pay for his treatment, MI referred Bu to Burma Children Medical Fund for assistance accessing surgery. Currently, Bu experiences back pain and a burning sensation while urinating. He sometimes experiences headaches and cannot breathe well because of the severe pain. In his free time, his favorite thing to do is to help with household chores and grow vegetables for his family. Now, Burma Children Medical Fund needs your help in funding the cost of Bu's $1,500 surgery. Bu shared, “I still experience back pain and a burning sensation while urinating. Sometimes due to the pain, I have a headache and I have difficulty breathing. But I am very excited that I will be free from this prolonged pain after surgery."

Chamroeurn is a 19-year-old taxi driver from Cambodia. He lives in Kampongcham province with his parents, who are farmers. He is the oldest of three siblings. In his free time he helps with the farming or goes to play soccer with his friends. When he was a baby, Chamroeurn suffered an ear infection. This infection caused the tympanic membrane, or the ear drum, in his right ear ear to perforate. For this reason, Chamroeurn experiences hearing loss, tinnitus, ear discharge and pain. He has a difficult time communicating with others, which affects his work, and he has to deal with bouts of intense pain. Chamroeurn traveled to our medical partner's care center to receive treatment. On July 13, he will undergo a myringoplasty procedure in his right ear ear. During this procedure, surgeons will close the perforation. Our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, is requesting $464 to fund this procedure. This covers medications, supplies, and inpatient care. Chamroeurn shared, "I always wish that I could speak more easily with others, and not feel this ear pain. This surgery will help me have a much better life."

Angel is a funny and jovial boy. Like his brother, Gilbert, he has a condition known as Bilateral Genu Valgus, or knock knees, that makes it difficult for him to walk. Angel is the second youngest of four siblings and is in the first grade at a local primary school. His mother works part-time cleaning houses, washing clothes, and performing other household work she may find. Gibert’s father is a street pastor and also works as a street vendor. The family lives in a one-bedroom rental house in Nairobi and they shared with us that they feel life is hard because they do not have the resources to buy everything they need. Angel's condition began when he was just two years old. He experienced pain and could not walk long distances. Since then, his condition has worsened and he cannot run or play with his friends at school. In June of 2019, he and his brother underwent a Derotational Femoral Osteotom, a surgery that realigns their bones so that they can resume walking comfortably. The surgery was successful for both brothers and Angel has been walking well with his right leg. He now needs support for the surgery on his left knee. With both knees healed, Angel will be able to walk comfortably. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $1,282 to fund this procedure. Angel's mother shared, “I am pleading for more support for their second surgery. God bless you."

Florence is a Form Three student from Kenya. Florence is the oldest child in a family of five girls. She lives with her mother and siblings in a two-roomed house, relying only on their mother for daily upkeep after her father neglected them. Three years ago, Florence was involved in a road accident. While going to school, she was hit from behind by a passenger van, fracturing her right femur. Since then, she has had multiple surgeries to correct the fractures. She suffers severe pain and persistent infection. Fortunately, our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is helping Florence receive treatment. On May 15th, surgeons will perform a debridement and skin graft procedure so she will no longer be in pain and her risk of infection will be reduced. Now, Florence needs help to fund this $1,242 procedure. Florence says, “My greatest wish is to go back to finish school and at least help my mother.”

Yarm is a 74-year-old rice farmer from Cambodia. She has five daughters, one son, and twelve grandchildren. She enjoys listening to the monks pray on the radio in her spare time. Two years ago, Yarm developed a cataract in each eye, causing her photophobia, blurry and cloudy vision. She has difficulty seeing things clearly, recognizing faces, and going anywhere outside. When Yarm learned about our medical partner, Children's Surgical Centre, she traveled for three and a half hours seeking treatment. On January 6th, doctors will perform a phacoemulsification cataract surgery and an intraocular lens implant in each eye. After recovery, she will be able to see clearly. Now, she needs help to fund this $425 procedure. "I hope that I will be able to go outside on my own again and return to visiting the pagoda," Yarm shared.

Lay is a 45-year-old man from Burma. He lives with his family in a village in Karen State. His wife is a homemaker while his son and daughter-in-law work as a day laborers. He also used to work as a day laborer before he stopped two months ago due to his loss of vision in his left eye. He has blurred vision and sometimes he also feels dizzy. When the doctor checked his left eye, he was diagnosed with a cataract as well as glaucoma. Our medical partner, Burma Children Medical Fund, is requesting $1,500 to fund lens replacement surgery for Lay. On March 17th, doctors will perform a lens replacement, during which they will remove Lay's natural lens and replace with an intraocular lens implant in his eye. After recovery, he will be able to see clearly. Now, he needs help to fund this $1,500 procedure. Lay said, "Now I am happy that I will receive surgery with the help of donors. Thank you everyone for helping me and I pray for you all with all my heart. I know this surgery will return my vision and will be a great benefit for my family if it will allow me to go back to work.”

Bravel Paul is an 8-year-old student from Kenya. He likes playing football and watching cartoons. His family hails from Kajiado County. He is a class 1 pupil and likes reading books and other hobbies. His father is a caretaker for some houses, while his mother is a housewife. The family lives in a one-roomed rental house in Kitengela. Bravel has clubfoot of his right foot. Clubfoot is a condition in which the foot is twisted out of shape. This causes difficulty walking and even wearing shoes. Fortunately, Bravel traveled to visit our medical partner's care center, AIC Cure International Hospital. There, surgeons will perform clubfoot repair surgery on February 24th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,224 to fund Bravel's clubfoot repair. After treatment, he will be able to walk easily and wear shoes. "I would like to see my son walking comfortably and therefore any assistance accorded to us will be highly appreciated," Bravel’s father told us.

Habibi is a sweet and very shy girl from Ethiopia. She loves to play with her best friend at home. Habibi has two brothers and five sisters, and she loves to take care of her three younger siblings. Her father is a daily laborer and he maintains his family with the little he earns. Her mom is a house wife. Habibi dropped out of school when she was in grade 1 as a result of her condition. Habibi was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital abnormality that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. She needs to undergo a series of procedures to eliminate bowel dysfunction. Habibi is scheduled to undergo surgery to correct her condition on January 9th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Habibi's procedure and care. After her recovery, Habibi will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. Habibi’s father said, “It is my hope to see Habibi go to school and get educated after she gets treatment. I believe she will serve her community. She always says ‘I want to get treated go to school and be a doctor.’ That’s my prayer and hope for her. ”

Hollylight is a friendly, talkative, and playful girl from Tanzania. She is the only child to her mother. Hollylight's mother sells samosa to earn a living and together they live in a rented house. Her father abandoned them when the mother was 8 months pregnant. Hollylight walks with difficulty and pain due to her legs curving outwards. She has struggled with the condition since she started walking at 14 months. Her mother desired to take her to the hospital but due to limited income, she was not able to. She hoped that the child's movement would improve with time. However, she continues to struggle with the condition. Hollylight's mother was referred to our facility by her friends and upon review, the child was diagnosed with bilateral genu valgus. She requires surgery to correct the condition and help the child walk with ease. The family appeals for financial assistance to help the child receive the surgery. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare, is requesting $838 to fund corrective surgery for Hollylight. The procedure is scheduled to take place on December 4th. Treatment will hopefully restore Hollylight's mobility, allow her to participate in a variety of activities, and greatly decrease her risk of future complications. Hollylight’s mother says, “Please help correct my daughter’s legs so that she can walk well without being discriminated.”

Mebruka is a cute baby girl from Ethiopia who loves people and to play with others. She loves eating spaghetti. She has one older sister and she loves to play with her. Her mom is a house wife and her dad is a daily laborer. They live in a rented house and the dad’s income is very much limited for the expenses of the family. Mebruka was born with an anorectal malformation, a congenital abnormality that leads to a complete or partial intestinal blockage. She needs to undergo a series of procedures to eliminate bowel dysfunction. Mebruka is scheduled to undergo surgery to correct her condition on November 5th. Our medical partner, African Mission Healthcare Foundation, is requesting $1,500 to cover the total cost of Mebruka's procedure and care. After her recovery, Mebruka will no longer experience bowel dysfunction or be at risk of developing health complications in the future. Her mother said, “It is my hope that my baby will heal and that makes me happy even now.”